Neirohi's Family OS

A second chance at forever :part 2

In the heart of jaipur,nested
Among the vibrant chaos of the city, stood a modest yet charming house. It wasn’t extravagant, but it had a warmth that spoke of love and resilience. This house was home to fifteen-year-old Ruhi and her mother, Mathasree.

Aarohi, embodied the very essence of her name: the rising melody of hope and perseverance. To Ruhi, she wasn’t just a mother but a pillar of strength and love. Ruhi had nicknamed her Mathasree, combining "Maa" and "Sree," a title she used with affection and reverence.

As the morning sun cast its golden rays into Ruhi’s cozy room, Mathasree entered, her hands on her hips. “Ruhi, wake up! The sun’s already up, and you’ll miss your bus!”

Ruhi groaned, burying her face in her pillow. “Oh, Mathasree, just five more minutes,” she pleaded, her voice muffled.

But Mathasree wasn’t having it. “No more excuses! You have plenty of time to dream in class. Now, get up!”

Grumbling, Ruhi sat up, her hair sticking out in all directions. “Fine, fine. You win,” she said, dragging herself out of bed.

After a hurried morning routine and a quick breakfast, Ruhi was ready. She stood at the door, her schoolbag slung over her shoulder, and turned to her mother. “Bye, Mathasree,” she said, giving her a quick hug.

Mathasree smiled, smoothing Ruhi’s hair. “Be good, Ruhi. And don’t forget your lunch.”

As Ruhi climbed into the school bus, she waved back, watching her mother until the house disappeared from view.

Inside the bus, the usual chatter and laughter filled the air. Ruhi sat by the window, her best friend Meera beside her. Meera, ever curious, leaned closer and whispered, “Ruhi, your mom’s so simple and kind. Don’t you think you miss having a father’s love too?”

Ruhi stiffened, her smile fading. She stared out of the window, her voice quiet but firm. “I don’t need a father’s love, Meera. Not after what he did to Mathasree and me.”

Meera regretted her words immediately. “I’m sorry, Ruhi. I didn’t mean to upset you.”

Ruhi shook her head, forcing a small smile. “It’s okay. I just wish Mathasree could find someone who truly loves her. Someone who’d never hurt her like he did.”

Their conversation was cut short by a sudden jolt. The bus swerved violently, the children screaming as the driver struggled to regain control. “The brakes aren’t working!” the driver shouted in panic.

The bus hurtled forward uncontrollably, narrowly missing other vehicles. It smashed into a truck, the impact sending shockwaves through the passengers. Then, it skidded toward the edge of a bridge.

Ruhi’s heart pounded as the bus teetered precariously, half-dangling over the side. She clutched the seat in front of her, her knuckles white with fear.

As chaos erupted inside the bus, a man appeared outside, running toward the scene. He was in his late forties, his face rugged but determined. Without a moment’s hesitation, he climbed onto the bus, prying open the emergency door.

“Stay calm!” he shouted, his voice cutting through the panic. “I’m here to help!”

One by one, he pulled the children out, his movements swift and purposeful despite the danger. The bus creaked ominously, inching closer to the edge with every passing second.

When it was Ruhi’s turn, the man extended his hand. “Come on, take my hand!”

Ruhi hesitated, tears streaming down her face. “I can’t… I’m too scared,” she whispered.

“You can do this,” he said firmly, his eyes locking with hers. “Trust me.”

Gathering every ounce of courage, Ruhi reached out. But just as he pulled her toward safety, the bus lurched violently, the metal groaning under its weight.

The man lost his footing, and for a heart-stopping moment, it seemed they would both fall. Summoning all his strength, he pushed Ruhi onto solid ground, but in doing so, he slipped dangerously close to the edge.

“No!” Ruhi screamed, scrambling to help him. But another bystander arrived just in time, pulling the man to safety.

The man lay on the ground, breathing heavily, his body bruised from the ordeal. Ruhi knelt beside him, her hands trembling as she touched his arm. “Why did you risk your life for us?” she asked, her voice choked with emotion.

He gave her a faint smile, his voice raspy but steady. “Because no child deserves to be in danger. And no mother deserves to lose her child.”

Tears streamed down Ruhi’s face as his words sank in. In that moment, she realized the depth of his courage and selflessness. He wasn’t just a hero; he was a savior who reminded her of the goodness that still existed in the world.

As the sirens of ambulances and police cars filled the air, Ruhi silently vowed to never forget this man or the lesson he had taught her: that true bravery lay in putting others before oneself, even at the risk of your own life.